A bipartisan group of women senators waded into the ongoing drama over the NFL , Ray Rice and domestic violence .

They sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell calling on the football league to institute a `` real zero-tolerance policy '' in such cases .

The 16 signatories wrote that they were `` shocked and disgusted '' by the in-elevator video that surfaced of Ray Rice punching his then-fianceé in an elevator , and they pointed to the allegation that the NFL had possession of the video , which became public Monday , when it handed down its original lenient two-game suspension .

`` The NFL 's current policy sends a terrible message to players , fans and all Americans that even after committing a horrific act of violence , you can quickly be back on the field , '' the senators wrote .

The NFL recently changed its domestic violence punishment to a minimum suspension of six games for a first offense and a lifetime time ban for a second offense .

`` If you violently assault a woman , you should n't get a second chance to play football in the NFL , '' the senators wrote .

Sen. Richard Blumenthal , D-Connecticut , recently told CNN that he would not `` rule out '' congressional action to force the NFL 's hand on domestic abuse .

Key events in the Ray Rice episode

Ex-FBI director to investigate Ray Rice case

@highlight

16 female senators send letter to NFL commissioner

@highlight

They demand the NFL not give domestic abusers a second chance